UFC 'Quick Break': Wanderlei Silva vs. Rich Franklin

Whether you just have a short downtime during work, or don't want a lengthy breakdown, these “Quick Breaks” are for you. "Quick Breaks" are short breakdowns of upcoming fights. In a summed-up focus of strengths, weaknesses and variables, this article will analyze what could happen in the fight and end with the writer’s prediction.

Following the showdown between Clay Guida and Gray Maynard, the UFC will return the following night to put on UFC 147, which will take place at EstadioJornalista Felipe Drumond in BeloHorizonte, Brazil. Prelims start on Facebook at 7:00 p.m. EST, followed by prelims on FX at 8:00 p.m. EST. This all leads up to the pay-per-view, which starts at 10:00 p.m. EST.

Headlining the card is a rematch at a catchweight between Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva. After fighting a “fight of the night” match in their first meeting, both men will look to definitively win over the other come Saturday night.

In the blue corner you have Rich Franklin. “Ace” is a very popular fighter who had run the middleweight division for a while before Anderson Silva came along, and still has only lost to Silva while fighting at 185. He has returned to LHW and has had an up-and-down ride through these past few years. He currently is 28-6(1), coming off of a loss. A well-rounded fighter, his forte still remains on the feet, and he believes he can use those hands to make one more run at the title.

In the red corner you have Wanderlei Silva. “The Axe Murderer” is 34-11-1(1) and coming off of a great win over Cung Le at UFC 139. While his time since Pride has been rather lackluster in stats, Silva always comes to fight and be aggressive. His relentless striking and pace make striking with him always dangerous, and after losing the decision to Franklin last time, he will be looking to finish this fight.

Both men are fighters who are arguably on their way out of the sport. They both have had great careers, but their consistency has changed. Blows to the head are not taken as easily as before, and both men are either knocking someone out or getting knocked out themselves.

This fight is one that can end very quickly, and should end in a finish. Franklin must be aware and careful of the flurry of punches that will come his way, but Silva must understand that he can no longer take shots like he did before, when he used to run in and take blows in order to close the distance. This fight will be a lot of striking, and the first person to land clean will probably walk away the victor.

Prediction: Rich Franklin wins via TKO/KO within the first two rounds.